Paragould Podcast

When Addiction Hits Home: Roland Irwin and His Daughter, Brooke Smith Open Up About the Enslaving Power of Addiction

Roland Irwin has a PhD in clinical psychology and serves as the Associate Chief of Operations for Arisa Health. But despite his impressive resume, he was not immune to the horrors that addiction can unleash on a family. In this week's episode of the Paragould Podcast, Roland joins his daughter, Brooke, who has been in recovery for over 10 years now.

Brooke works with the Paragould Podcast and The Crossing Church and has an incredible story of redemption and restoration. You will be inspired and filled with hope as you listen to this father and daughter recount their struggles and celebrate their victories together. If you have ever struggled with addition or have loved someone who is, this episode is a must. 

Paragould Mayor Josh Agee Returns to Talk 2022 Progress and What’s in Store for 2023

Mayor Josh Agee returns for an annual update on the city of Paragould. In 2022, we saw the ribbon cutting for the new 8-Mile Creek Trail, the downtown Community Pavilion, the installation of Sky Cops, airport improvements and more.

As we look to 2023, there are even more ambitious projects to look forward to. Mayor Agee opens up about the partisan elections issue, which passed in November, and he gives some details on a land-use proposal known as "land banks." Stay informed and engaged by listening to this episode, and share it with others who care about our city.

Lieutenant of the Paragould Police Department’s Criminal Division, Detective Rhonda Thomas

Rhonda Thomas joins us this week on the Paragould Podcast! Rhonda is the Lieutenant of the Paragould Police Department's Criminal Division, and (according to many sources) is a superhero!

Rhonda has served with the PPD for 28 years and in the Criminal Division for the past 18, which means that she and her team work every felony case in the city of Paragould. In this interview, Rhonda talks about how she got into law enforcement and how she discovered her calling by investigating child abuse cases. This is a gripping and educational episode you'll want to listen to more than once.

Alexander Laffoon Talks About His Journey on the Pacific Crest Trail

Alexander Laffoon, along with his friend Trevor, recently hiked the Pacific Crest Trail--a 2,653 mile trail from the border of Mexico to the border of Canada. You'll hear about his encounters with bears and mountain lions, almost drowning in freezing water, and being surrounded by forest fires.

"Someday never happens. We love the adventure and seeing new places."

Executive Director of Main Street Paragould, Miranda Reynolds

Miranda Reynolds is the Executive Director of Main Street Paragould. Miranda is passionate about Downtown Paragould and excited about the direction we are headed. She was formerly a reporter with KAIT8 News in Jonesboro where she was regularly tracking positive news from Paragould and Greene County. Download and share this now!

Nathan Knight Joins Us to Talk About Launching His Photo and Video Company, Knight Productions

Nathan Knight is the owner of Knight Productions, and he is the youngest guest to date on the Paragould Podcast. With his team, Nathan is completing over 60 wedding films this year alone. You will be inspired by Nathan's story of quick success through hard work and focused passion. 

CEO of Arkansas Methodist Medical Center, Barry Davis

Barry Davis is the CEO of Arkansas Methodist Medical Center. With over 600 employees, AMMC is a vital part of our community and overall quality of life in Paragould. 

Barry has been with the hospital for over 42 years, and in that time, he has seen his fair share of obstacles. However, his biggest challenge came in 2016 when he was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer and told he had 6 months to live.

Mr. Davis's story is one you won't want to miss. 

*Episode 100* Haley Deck Returns to Talk About Living a Life of Gratitude

Haley Deck joins us for a second time to talk about the power of gratitude. In her book, Stay Awake With Me, Haley talks about an overwhelming sense of gratitude that has helped to keep her centered in the midst of immeasurable grief.

"Gratitude is such a transformational tool," she says. "It’s simply acknowledging the good in every moment."

This is the 100th episode of the Paragould Podcast! We have been blown away by the positive response from this incredible community. Here's to the next 100!

The Founder and Executive Director of In His Wings Ministry, Jennifer Tarwater

Jennifer Tarwater is the founder and Executive Director of In His Wings Ministry--a faith-based women's rehabilitation ministry.

Jennifer battled Hodgkins Lymphoma at age 28. Throughout her teens and twenties, she drinking heavily and smoking marijuana, and her first experience with meth was at 29. This downward spiral ultimately landed her in prison.

On January 9, 2013, Jennifer landed in the Agape House, and she graduated the following year. She now leads a life-changing organization that helps women through the same kinds of struggles and addictions. Jennifer says, "You don't have to live at the bottom of the pit any more. You are worth it."

In His Wings is a 9-month program for women. They are partnered with the Arkansas Department of Corrections' re-entry program and currently have 57 women enrolled in the program.

For more information, visit https://inhiswingsministry.com.

Brad Pollard Talks About His Battle With Stage 4 Cancer and Surviving a Stroke

In 2003, while a sophomore at the University of Arkansas, Brad Pollard was diagnosed with stage 4 testicular cancer. Soon after the initial diagnosis, he learned that the cancer had spread to his liver, lungs and brain. That was nearly 20 years ago, and today Brad is cancer-free!

But that wouldn't be the end of Brad's health battles. In addition to the after effects of an intense chemo and radiation treatment, he suffered a stroke in 2014. Brad's story of overcoming incredible obstacles at such a young age is one every person needs to hear.